DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of Education has released updated guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals for the 2025-2026 academic year. These rules ensure students who need assistance continue to have access to breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Most schools will… The post Delaware Sets Income Guidelines and Application Process for School Meal Programs in 2025-2026 appeared first on TV Delmarva .
DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of Education has released updated guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals for the 2025-2026 academic year. These rules ensure students who need assistance continue to have access to breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Most schools will resume the standard practice of collecting applications to determine eligibility. Schools enrolled in the Community Eligibility Provision will provide free meals to all students without requiring individual applications. Families will receive Meal Benefit Forms through their children’s schools, and applications may be submitted any time throughout the school year. Households not participating in SNAP or Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs must include household member names, income details, and an adult signature on the forms. Those enrolled in SNAP or TANF provide minimal information if not already certified. Eligibility depends on household income and size. For instance, a family of four with an annual income of $41,795 or less qualifies for free meals, while families earning up to $59,478 may be eligible for reduced-price meals. These income limits apply from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Children enrolled in programs like Head Start, or identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care, automatically qualify for free meals. Parents or guardians can dispute eligibility decisions through informal discussions or formal appeals at their child’s school. The USDA’s non-discrimination policies cover all meal programs. Information is available in multiple languages and formats, and discrimination complaints can be filed online or directly with the USDA. For additional details, families can contact their school or visit the Delaware Department of Education’s website at https://education.delaware.gov.
The post Delaware Sets Income Guidelines and Application Process for School Meal Programs in 2025-2026 appeared first on TV Delmarva .
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